Mr. Middleton's Brother

Julia's first exclamation, on waking the next morning, was, "I am glad I
am not expected to go home with uncle today, and see father make a
precious fool of himself, as he surely will."

"How can you say so, Julia?" answered Fanny. "I wish I was going, for I
think I could smooth father down a little if he got to using too strong
language."

"Nonsense, Fan," said Julia. "Why don't you confess that you wish to go
because that handsome Cameron is going? Didn't I see how much he looked at
you, and how you blushed, too? But no matter. I would get him, if I were
you!"

Julia was getting very generous, now that she thought herself sure of Dr.
Lacey. Further remark from her, however, was prevented by the ringing of
the breakfast bell.

"What shall I tell your parents?" said Mr. Middleton to his nieces, as he
stood in the hall, waiting for the driver to open the carriage door and
let down the steps.

Julia made no reply, but Fanny said, "Give them my love, and tell them I
am getting better every day, and shall want to come home soon," and then
she added, in a lower tone, "You will not laugh at father much, will you,
or make fun of him either, if he acts oddly?"